Contractor named on Burnley Free School

Eric Wright Construction has been awarded the design-and-build contract for a 60,500 sq ft high school and sixth form in Burnley.

Commissioned through the Education Funding Authority Regional Contractors Framework and on behalf of Chapel Street Community Schools Trust, the free school scheme, designed by JM Architects, will provide accommodation for 450 secondary and 200 sixth form students.

The block will be constructed on the site of the former Habergham High School, which has already been demolished.

The contract award follows the decision not to refurbish and extend the existing premises due to the discovery of shallow worked coal seams below the site.

The 81-week programme includes site remediation works with mine stabilisation grouting, which is underway.

Eric Wright Construction will re-use crushed demolition materials on the three-storey building, and is targeting project delivery by April 2017.

John Wilson, managing director at Eric Wright Construction, said: “We have leveraged the experience and technical expertise within the Eric Wright Group to take a pragmatic approach to designing this scheme that addresses the EFA’s requirements, the Trust’s preferences and the challenges of the site.

“Once completed, the school will be an important addition to the education choices available to families in Burnley and we look forward to handing the building over in April 2017.”